Coalisland man Frank McGirr charged with attacking Willie Frazer, falls down stairs in court

Frank McGirr is brought to Craigavon Hospital on tuesday morning. Pic Pacemaker

Having been connected to the two offences as he went to sign his bail order, 60-year-old Frank McGirr slipped and fell down the stairs and had to be tended to by an ambulance crew.

Moments beforehand McGirr, who arrived at the court using a walking stick, stood in the dock and spoke only to confirm that he understood the two charges against him.

McGirr, from the Shanliss Road in Stewartstown, is accused of assaulting William Frazer and making a threat to kill the campaigner and flag protestor “intending that William Frazer would fear it would be carried out” with both offences alleged to have occurred on 28 June this year.

Willie Frazer attends Court , as Frank McGirr, 60, appeared at Armagh Court accused of assaulting him.

The charges arise after Mr Frazer was attacked in the garden of his home on the Tandragee Road in Markethill, Co Armagh, at about 7pm.

On Tuesday a police officer said he believed he could connect McGirr to the charges.

After that formal stage, McGirr had to go downstairs to the cell area to sign his bail order and although the District Judge said other arrangements could be made, McGirr began his descent but drew shocked gasps from those in the courtroom as he took a tumble.

Initially tended to by prison staff, an ambulance was called who treated McGirr for cuts and bruises while court business was moved to a different court room.

McGirr is due before the court again next month.